Mahindra & Mahindra launched the new-generation Scorpio in September last year, and there had been persistent reports of the impending launch of the automatic variant of the SUV in 2015. After dealerships across Delhi reported that the arrival of the new variant about 2 weeks back, the company today officially launched the car. The Mahindra Scorpio Automatic's prices start at ₹ 13.13 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the 2WD variant and ₹ 14.33 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the 4WD variant.

Now available in a total of 11 variants, Mahindra offers the Scorpio with a choice of 2 engine options, namely, 2.2-litre mHawk and 2.5-litre M2DICR (base variant - S2) diesel. The utility vehicle maker has placed the automatic gearbox variant at top of the line-up.

Pravin Shah, President & Chief Executive (Automotive), Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said, "The Scorpio broke new ground when it was launched more than a decade ago and since then we have regularly upgraded the Scorpio to ensure that it stays relevant. In fact, the Scorpio was the first Indian SUV to launch an Automatic transmission in 2008 and, now, we offer our customers an automatic option on Scorpio's New Generation Platform. I am sure that the New Generation Scorpio Automatic will be an instant hit with our customers and further enhance the appeal of this iconic brand."

The Scorpio S10 AT houses the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel unit under the hood, which puts out 120bhp and 280Nm of peak torque. Considering the fact that it is the top-end variant, it is fully-loaded in terms of provisions for comfort and safety; it gets a new static bending projector head-lamps, new hi-tech 15 cm (6 inch) touch-screen infotainment system, fully automatic temperature control, smart rain and light sensors, and dual front airbags among other features.

However, it is interesting to note that the news of the arrival of the Scorpio's automatic variant comes close in the heels of the launch of the Hyundai Creta. The South Korean carmaker launched its compact SUV on July 21, and had received over 28,500 enquiries and more than 10,000 bookings before its launch.